Literacy Learning
“Big Picture Beliefs” intent for ERLC presenters
http://erlc.wikispaces.com/literacy+framework
Literacy is foundational to all learning and is the ability to acquire, connect, create and
communicate meaning in a wide variety of contexts.
 Literacy is a shared responsibility (educators, school leaders, school
communities)
 The nature of literacy is multifaceted
 Students need to develop literacy skills that transcend subject areas
 Literacy skills in curriculum is important in all areas
 Literacy is more than the ability to read and write
 Literacy is complex and ever changing.
Literacy First: A Plan for Action, Alberta Education 2012
http://education.alberta.ca/media/4970645/literacyfirst.pdf
We believe that literacy is all encompassing…culture of literacy…..
we live it in and out of schools, multiple mediums….
Innovative concept of “literacy”, which refers both to students’ capacity to apply
knowledge and skills in key subject areas and to their ability to analyse, reason and
communicate effectively as they pose, interpret and solve problems in a variety of
situations.
A Position Statement of the International Reading Association (pg. 3)
Adolescent Literacy, 2012
International Reading Association
Our beliefs about literacy learning should drive our assessment approaches. ( sherry aac)
Literacy is responsive to and inclusive of all learners and contexts:
 diverse in its many forms ( e.g., ethnically, culturally, linguistically and ability
diverse students)
 students must interact and engage with texts to be able to comprehend and
construct information using print and nonprint materials in fixed and virtual
platforms across disciplines ira
 authentic literacy experiences allow students to communication with a variety
of audiences and purposes.
Specifically, we believe that all students deserve:

Content area teachers who provide instruction in the multiple literacy strategies
needed to meet the demands of the specific discipline

A culture of literacy in their schools with a systematic and comprehensive
programmatic approach to increasing literacy achievement for all

Access to and instruction with multimodal, multiple texts

Differentiated literacy instruction specific to their individual needs

Opportunities to participate in oral communication when they engage in literacy
activities

Opportunities to use literacy in the pursuit of civic engagement

Assessments that highlight their strengths and challenges

Access to a wide variety of print and nonprint materials
Adapted from A Position Statement of the International Reading Association
Adolescent Literacy, 2012
International Reading Association
Leadership is foundational to nurturing a culture of literacy.